Reverend Dr. L.C. "Buddy" Johnston Jr.

Reverend Dr. Llewellyn Cartwright Johnston, known affectionately as “Buddy” or “L.C.” by many, passed away peacefully on January 14th, 2025 in Round Rock, Texas. A devoted husband, father, and faithful servant of the Lord, Buddy dedicated his life to ministry and touched countless lives with his unwavering faith, kindness, and love of storytelling.

Buddy was born at midnight on May 30th, 1936, in the quiet fishing village of Port Isabel, Texas, to L.C. and Corinne Johnston. Growing up across the street from the First United Methodist Church and near the town’s historic 1852 lighthouse, Buddy’s youth was steeped in the charm of this coastal community. He cherished his childhood memories, often recounting stories of riding his horse Dolly and playing with his dog Admiral. Whether it was his father working at the oil refinery or adventures with friends riding horses across South Texas on their horses and going across the bay to the Island, Buddy’s love for Port Isabel shone through in his many anecdotes in his sermons.

It was in this small town that Buddy first came to know the Lord and committed himself to a lifetime of ministry. As the story goes, young Buddy’s lively antics during church services led his mother to accompany him to ensure good behavior—a humorous beginning to what would become a deep and enduring relationship with the Methodist Church.

Buddy began his college journey at Texas A&M University but soon transferred to Lon Morris College in Jacksonville, Texas, to pursue ministry. After a dormitory fire, his path led him to Sam Houston State University, where he met the love of his life, Evelyn, at the Wesley Foundation. Evelyn was leading a Bible study, and their shared faith blossomed into a lifelong partnership. The two were married on January 26, 1959, in Rosehill, Texas.

Buddy began preaching while still in college, serving small churches in the area. After graduating, he and Evelyn moved to Wilmore, Kentucky, where Buddy attended Asbury Theological Seminary, earning his degree in 1963 and his Doctorate of Ministry in 1985. His ministry officially began in Billings, Montana, but in 1964, Buddy and Evelyn returned to South Texas, where he served in the Southwest Texas Conference for over 60 years. His appointments included churches in Lyford, Donna, Burnet, Beeville, Harlingen, San Antonio, Alice, and Highland Lakes.

Throughout his ministry, Buddy oversaw numerous building projects, from constructing a new outhouse for a rural Kentucky church during seminary to building the Lyford parsonage, two family life centers and a new church facility in Burnet, Texas. However, Buddy’s greatest passion was always serving the spiritual needs of his congregations. He organized and led countless revivals, often inviting missionaries to enrich the worship experience. Buddy also started mid-week youth and children activities in many of his churches, believing children were the future of the church.

Buddy’s love for ministry was matched only by his love for his family and travel. With Evelyn by his side, he explored the United States and journeyed across South America, Europe, Africa, Russia, Australia, and the Middle East. He frequently traveled to Mexico and Guatemala to serve alongside his missionary friends, sharing his faith with communities in need.

An avid reader, Buddy read his Bible daily and had a deep appreciation for history. Above all, he cherished his family and his church family. His 65-year marriage to Evelyn was a testament to unwavering love and commitment.

Buddy is survived by his beloved wife, Evelyn May Johnston; his children, David Cartwright Johnston and wife Laurie of Houston, Texas, Stephen Wesley Johnston of Brownsville, Texas, and Elizabeth Ann Presley and husband Matthew of Austin, Texas; his sister, Betty Jo Thrash; brother-in-law, Arthur Anderson; sister-in-law, Iris Schlechte; and brother-in-law, J. Leroy Schlechte and wife Joyce. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. L.C. Johnston Sr., and his sisters, Mary Lou Anderson and Olive J. Neuse (“Ollie”).

There will be a viewing on Sunday, January 19th, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home in Burnet, Texas.

A private burial will take place on Monday, January 20th.

In honor of Reverend Dr. Llewellyn Cartwright Johnston, affectionately known as “Buddy” or “L.C.,” a celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 15th, at 11 a.m. at First Methodist Church in Burnet, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Methodist Church, Burnet.